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5.0 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. <br />5.01 Overview. <br />The Community Development Department is responsible for the review of developments, permitting and the <br />implementation of land use plans and policies of the City Council through administration of ordinances. The <br />Department reviews permit and land use applications to ensure compliance with zoning regulations that include: <br />setback, structural coverage, floodplain management, and shoreland requirements. The department provides <br />service and information to the general public, property owners, builders, and developers on all aspects of <br />development and land use within Orono. We also work with other agencies including Lake Minnetonka <br />Conservation District, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, DNR, Hennepin County and Metropolitan Council; <br />with these other agencies we attend workshops, provide feedback on policies and coordinate permitting projects. <br />As a department, we manage the Planning Commission and began new recruitment efforts for 2025 to fulfill <br />upcoming vacancies. <br />This year we completed a recodification to the zoning and subdivision chapters of the City Code. We lead multiple <br />work sessions with the City Council regarding regulations and implementation of the average lakeshore setback <br />and cannabis ordinances. We coordinated with the DNR on updating the shoreland regulations. We also attended <br />and provided feedback on multiple workshops held by the Met Council regarding different regional workshops <br />including water resources, comprehensive planning and natural environment systems. <br />5.02 Organization and Staff. <br />The department consists of 6 personnel: The Community Development Director, two Planners, Building Official, <br />Building Inspector and a Planning Assistant. We onboarded a new planner, Matt Karney, in October of this year. <br />As a department, we work closely with the other departments throughout the city. In 2024, we coordinated with <br />the Police and Administrative Departments to review and implement cannabis regulations. Additionally, we <br />coordinate with the Administration Department for over-the-counter permits and data retention projects. We <br />collaborated with the Finance Department on our department budget. We worked together with the Public <br />Works Department on building permits, and encroachment agreements. Lastly, we also worked in partnership <br />with the Parks Department with the development of a tree study throughout the city and constructing a new <br />shelter at the Golf Course. <br />5.03. Department Activity Summary. <br />Year To Date <br />Year <br />New <br />Home <br />New Home <br />Valuation <br />Total <br />permits <br />Open Code <br />Enforcement <br />Closed Code <br />Enforcement <br />Land Use <br />Applications <br />2024 <br />27 <br />$50,615,442 <br />1381 <br />88 <br />84 <br />70 <br />2023 <br />43 <br />$45,174,490 <br />1687 <br />84 <br />62 <br />63 <br />2022 <br />54 <br />$53,352,900 <br />1420 <br />134 <br />114 <br />71 <br />% of 2023 1 63% 1 112% 1 82% 1 105% 1 135% 1 111% 1 <br />of 2022 1 50% 1 95% 1 97% 1 66% 1 74% 1 99% <br />in <br />29 <br />